(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

The future looks bright, indeed, for those watching an impressive group of young people work their way through courses at the Washington County Career Center that prepared them for competition in the Business Professionals of America state event in Columbus.

In a wide range of categories, 11 WCCC students finished in the top 10 in Ohio during the event. In fact, three of them did well enough to qualify for national competition at the BPA National Leadership Conference in May.

Bridget Crock, a senior at Marietta High School, placed second and qualified for nationals in the Digital Media Production category.

Coen Fouss, a senior at Fort Frye High School, placed third and qualified for nationals in the Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing category.

And Janessa Ross, a senior at Fort Frye High School, placed second and qualified for nationals in the Prepared Speech category.

BPA says it “gives students across the country the opportunity to develop, lead and compete as they prepare for careers in today’s modern business environment.”

How fortunate Washington County is to have academic options that prepare our students to do so well — not only when it comes to state and maybe even national competition, but in careers for which there is likely to be plenty of demand once these young people finish their education.

We certainly look forward to the knowledge, experience and energy they will bring to the workforce when they are ready.

Congratulations on your accomplishments, folks; and good luck!